ADHD treatment? Does anyone have any feedback on ADHD treatment? Medication vs. behavior modification?

Question

We had my son (6 yrs) evaluated by his doctor as well as a specialist after we became concerned about his performance in school. It seemed no matter what we tried, we just couldn't get him to settle down long enough to learn. Much to our dismay, he was indeed diagnosed with ADHD. My husband I felt felt strongly that we should attempt behavior modification methods to control his condition in lew of medication. However, it has been more than a year now to no avail. He is still unable to sit still, concentrate, behave approriately, handle normal upsetting situations, etc. His physician isn't much help, believing that the decision of my son's treatment is up to us as his parents and he will proceed with either course of action. The specialist is of equal little help. At this point my son is in danger of failing kindergarten! I have read up on ADHD meds until I can't see straight, but I would like to get some feedback from others parents in this situation.

Answer 1

My seven year old brother is ADHD combined type. He was diagnosed when he was six, right before first grade. Kindergarten was a major struggle. A few good days, and many bad ones. His impulse control was awful. When he was six we took him to see both the pediatrician and a child psychologist. The psychologist recommended meds, and the pedatrician is always relectant to prescribe kids meds, that's just the kind of doctor he is. Eventually after a lot of back and forth, my mom started him on the lowest dosage of Concerta. His first week teacher had known him in Kindergarten and on the first day he came home with a note (not knowing he had begun medication) "Cory has matured remarkably over the summer and his behavior and attention seems much improved."

Cory is not a zombie on medication. He plays soccer and baseball and still has a lot of energy, believe me, he still is crazy and hyper from time to time, and he is certainly not a whole new kid. The medicine isn't awful, but it does need to be closely monitored and retested. Cory now can sit down after school and finish his homework without getting up 8 times. He does it completely, and well, and he feels better about school. We did not want him to get a reputation as the bad kid at school, and he hasn't. He has friends, and now in second grade is adored by his teacher, and this year he has had no behavioral issues.

One thing to watch is the eating habits. He is extraordinarily skinny, but is gaining weight between years. He eats breakfast before the medicine kicks in, lunch he eats like a bird, and dinner he'll eat but not a whole lot. Because of this around bedtime, he'll start getting hungry again, and because he needs it, we allow that. He ends every night with a dessert, a yogurt, and some fruit.

Concerta has worked well for us, and it's probably worth trying. If you decide to do so, I would recommend trying it this summer, when you can watch him. Pay a lot of attention to how it affects him, in any way, and keep in very close contact with the pediatrician. One good point about Concerta is that its in and out of his system in 12 hours, no medication buildup, so if its the weekend, you can skip it if you like, and start again on Monday.

Answer 2

I have two kids with ADHD (one in 5th grade, one in 3rd) and there is no 'one size fits all' answer.  During the diagnosis phase, we were all shocked because ADHD has such a stigma - at school, within families, at work... it's non stop.  My husband and I weren't sure about the medication but we made the decision to medicate them because they were struggling in school and in socialization.  In the full grading period after they started the medication, they brought their grades up to straight A's and later in the year - both got 100% on their TAKS reading and math tests.  (They also brought their classroom behavior/work ethic way, way up.)  So that's what the medication can do.  Even so, I get such grief from my family that we did this terrible thing (ie, medicating) to them.  You know what?  My kids feel like they are doing good, they feel successful... they don't feel singled out for being goofy/hyper/unable to sit still/remember school work/stay organized/write legibly/color in the lines and so on.  But they know that they can't stay on the medication for life.  

On the weekends, they don't take the medication and that's when we work on socialization - one has a class to deal with scenarios (and it helps).  You might need to have your pediatrician or school counselor give you some recommended contacts for 'socialization classes' (most communities have them) and definitely get your son in a class.  

My kids take beacoup supplements (Fatty acids, DHA, yada yada yada) in the hopes it will help, too.  One thing we were not prepared for was the impact of medication on sleep. You have to take it first thing in the morning (preferably before 7) because most last 12 hours.  Both of my kids take sleeping aids to help them fall - and stay asleep.  It took two weeks to find the 'right' sleeping aid - Benadryl worked for one but the other takes an adult dosing of Melatonin.  One of their friends, a petite 5th grader, takes Tylenol PM because nothing else works.  I'd HIGHLY suggest that if you do opt for medication, start it on a Friday and then - an hour before bed time - give 3 mg of melatonin.  (There are pill forms and sublingual [under the tongue].)  You may need Saturday and Sunday night (and possibly the next weekend) to find the right mix.  The other thing that shocked us was that 'behavior' controlling drugs were not covered by our prescription coverage - so we have to pay $130 a month (per kid).  It's considered a mental health issue and some employers do not cover it.  (My kids are both on Focalin XR though on different dosings.)

Also, work closely with your son's teacher.  I think the reason why we've been so successful is by working so closely with them.  It means conferences and emails and calls pretty much weekly but ... whoo boy, does it pay off.  Ask about 504 classifications as that can help your son for a loooong, long time - even if he does not take medication.

My only regret in all this? That I didn't have them evaluated sooner.   They're so much more in control of themselves BUT they still have their super bubbly, happy personalities.  Medicating them did not turn them into zombies.  Now, if only I could find their mute/volume buttons...

Answer 3

My son was diagnosed with ADD.  Fortunately, he was not hyperactive.  That being the difference.  Behavior modification worked well for my son because he was not Hyperactive.  If he were, we would have gone with the medication.  There are so many med options available.  It's not like a couple of years ago where the only option was Ritalin.  Not that Ritalin is a bad course of meds to use, it just wasn't the right med for every child with ADHD.  I would explore the treatment with meds.  You can always stop the meds if there are adverse reactions.  You may have to try different meds to find the one that best fits your child's needs.  It's not an exact science.  As you said, the treatment is up to the parents, so it seems that the doc and the specialist are of little help.  They are going by your decisions.  Give them the benefit of the doubt until you see how the treatment works.  If you are still uncomfortable with the doctor's advise or treatment, find a new doc and get a second opinion.

Answer 4

i have a ADHD son and i have tried both behavior modification and medication.  for us the meds worked best.  he takes Concerta and it works really well for him.  not all children are like my son.  but with just behavior modification and no meds he did bad in school and didnt eat much and never slept.  with the meds he is a straight A student and he eats and  sleeps more.  so for us its meds.  you might want to try it.  but dont give up if the first medication does not work, it took 3 tries to get the right one for us.

Good luck and God bless

Answer 5

My aunt's two daughters were diagnosed ADHD at a young age but only a few years later, this turned out to be incorrect.   One had hearing sensory issues and saw a therapist for it and the other engaged in occupational therapy.     My aunt did have her daughters on drugs for a while and just hated how it made them into zombies.

My daughter was borderline ADHD at 7 years old and we engaged in occupational therapy and no more problems.  At 10 years old she is a normal as can be.

The point is that at this young of an age, the problem may not be ADHD (which is really a blanket diagnosis for behavior issues) but something else.  Get a second opinion, see a social worker (this is what we did), get occupational therapy.  

You can do this without drugs and a lot of effort!

Answer 6

Hey, I'm a pharmacy student. I can help you out a bit, but I will not give any medical advice or pharmaceutical recommendations,but maybe I can help a bit information wise. In western medicine, ADHD is a relevant disease, but I am an immigrant that came here when I was a toddler and in my country it really does not exist. I also have many friends from other countries (africa, asia, latin america) and they all tell me the same. It seems to be spread in North America the most. Therapeutically what patients traditionally recieve are CNS (central nervous system-"the brain" in the most simplest of ways to describe it) stimulants-it's kind of odd because you'd think that stimulants would actually make it worse to concentrate. I do have american friends that use it and have worked well for them in school. They (medications) have limitations though, as patients will have to take more amounts and more potent forms as usage continues. There are narcotic and non-narcotic drugs available. Side effects such as fatigue are common. Also patients can have sexual side effects from the over-stimulation-over time. Herbals are not regulated and can have anything in them-or nothing in them as well. In my non-professional opinion it really is a behavioral problem due to discipline (lack of), pent-up energy, or things of that sort. That's all I can state down on information. Sorry if I could not help, and your welcome if I did.

Answer 7

I am not a parent of a child with ADHD, but I have ADHD and will be graduating from college in 1 month. I really think I can help you because I remember being 7 and what I was like. I could not concentrate, I could not handle normal upsetting situations (i would have tantrums), and behaving appropriately (my parents were in the office all of the time because I couldn't keep my hands to myself, i interrupted the class, i spoke out of turn, etc.) However, I was not diagnosed until I was in 7th grade. In my opinion, this is what i suggest, having dealt with the situation my entire life.  In regards to behavior modification, I would definitely continue it to help your son deal with the situation handling and the behavior. However, in my opinion, I would put him on a low dose of concerta. I have tried ritalin, dexadrine, natural substances, dieting and so on. This is what I found. Concerta is a medication that is a delayed release, which means he will only have to take one once a day and it is not a stimulant. Ritalin and things in that category are and the side effects were outrageous (like i was living in a zone, lack of appetite, and so on). However, concerta along with a multivitamin has helped in so much. It doesn't put me in that trans or make me a different person. It calms me down and I can stay seated for periods of time. ADD is so much different from ADHD in that there is the hyperactivity part, which means that the mind is racing and in so many places at one time and its hard to sit still because of that. If I were you, I would try concerta, the lowest dose and see if it helps him. I am not lyeing to you, that you WILL see a huge improvement in your son!! Also, try to eliminate sweets, but not all the way because he is a kid and should be allowed to eat candy. Let me know how it goes. Whatever, you as parents decide to do, I am sure you will make the right and best choice for your son.

Answer 8

Your situation sounds very familiar to mine.  My son has ADHD as part of his condition.  He too was on the verge of failing K.  We have done everything from ABA, specialized schedules in school, organic diets with dairy restrictions, etc.  You name it we've probably done everything out there but ultimately it came down to one simple fact.  Due to biology he just doesn't have the capability to maintain his focus and behaviors for anything other than short periods of time.  He's a very smart boy but he truly is unable to show others just how smart he is because his symptoms prevent him from doing so.  We decided that after exhausting all other means we would try doing medications.  We figured that if it didn't work at least we tried but we owed it to him to give him the best chance we could to be successful.

As with any stimulant medications there are risks of side affects.  Many of them only last for a short period of time while the child's body adjusts to the use of the medication, however if the side affects are more severe, persistent or you see signs of more than a couple then steer clear of the drug.  It maybe the dosage is too high, his body won't tolerate the form of drug given.   With children under the age of 10 it is best to start off with the lowest dosage possible and work your way up to the recommended level for their age/weight.  Our first attempts were pretty scary ones.  We have multiple side affects which were pretty serious.  At first I thought this was related to the pediatrician starting him off at the recommended dosage instead of lower ones but learned after trying a couple of different meds that it was the extended release versions my child had trouble with.  

The top 3 medications used for ADHD are Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta.  All of these come in extended release forms with the exception of Ritalin who also has a non-extended release form.  

In my opinion Adderall is a much harsher drug and shouldn't be given to children of your sons age.  Concerta is similar to Ritalin with the exception of one component.  This would be my drug of preference if my child could take extended release meds.  Ritalin has a bed rep but really is an affective medication for this condition.  My child once we got him onto the right version went from failing to excelling in class.  He went from special ed to regular ed.  He is like night and day with it.  The only concerns regarding this medication or similar ones is the affect is has on a child's growth.  Appetites are suppressed so it's important to fix large healthy meals before taking the med in the morning and if you do a non-extended release med give only in the afternoons when he needs to remain focused for an activity so he will eat a big dinner.  I was completely against medications and still feel bad that we have use them but now that we do I can see the benefits it has for my child.  Just remember it may take several tries when picking a med to find the right one and right dosage.  Insist the doctor start him off on no more than 2.5 to 5 mg and work your way up.  Find the lowest level possible.

After a recent visit with our developmental pediatrician, he has also recommended than in addition to a daily multivitamin that he takes an iron suppliment and fish oil capsules with DHA.  DHA is extremely hard to get adequate levels of through diet and it has been shown that it can have a significant impact on a child's attention span.  So we will now be adding this into his regiment.  Our doctor said in some case med's can be lowered or even removed after appropriate levels of Iron and DHA have been maintained in the body.  If you need to talk please feel free to email me.

Answer 9

I agree with the Omega 3, Fatty Acid answer. The doctors are not too much help, because they don't totally understand ADHD. This is considered a true problem and medical concern, but they can't quite put their finger on where it comes from. They can sometimes control symptoms, but of course, with medications that can cause side effects that are not always so much fun. Some people are helped greatly with these meds, some are not. My daughter took Ritalin and acted like a zombie - she was considered ADD with no hyperactivity. My son was taken to an allergiest who tested him for food sensitivities. I found out that he was sensitive to so many things, and peanut butter and all peanut items were one of the biggest contributors, as well as sugar. But a normal allergist will not provide any tests that will help you on this, and may well argue that foods are not a contributor. Scratch tests will be of little value. This is the bottom line: look up candida. Look up food sensitivities or allergies. Look up "leaky gut". When the intestines become permiable, the improperly digested foods enter the bloodstream and wreak havok on the system. You might, sometime down the road, find that he gets rashes. Or he may get a lot of infections. Or a bunch of other things. Some people are diagnosed as being bipolar, as well as ADHD. The omega 3's help the body build what it needs that the typical diet excludes, but avoiding the offending foods helps the body heal and keeps the proteins from causing trouble until healing takes place. Look the things up and see what you think. You might also like to look up Alcat tests and books like Dr. Doris Rapp's, "Allergies and the Hyperactive Child", available through used booksites. Don't give up. Your research may, well, help your son where you have not found answers, to this point. Sounds like the P. Student may not have any kids. I was a very good disciplinarian, but you can't always discipline ADHD children as well as you would like to. They often have a tendancy of loosing their tempers. Then you may end up feeling like a bad parent, when you may well be a wonderful parent. Some things are challenging. Some people have children who sleep through the night after only one week, and are quiet all the time. That is not, necessarily, the way they parent. That is, more likely, the make-up of the child.

Answer 10

Nordic Naturals - Children's Omega 3 with DHA.

It's basically fish oil flavored in Strawberry.

They sell the capsules which are gluten free as well as the fish oil in a bottle.

My son has been diagnosed with ADHD since age 5 now 7. I know how you may feel my son sees a child psychologist biweekly, we make our home as structured and stable as possible. We have the same schedule everyday wake nap sleep time, homework, playtime and family time around the same time as possible.

It's hard because we don't want to medicate our son either. School was a challenge it seems like in Kindergarten I was in the schools office almost every other day. At home his behavior was one way because we were always on him but when at school he took advantage and would act out, hitting, screaming, not listening, talking disrespectfully to the teachers, doing what he wanted and the teachers would pretty much give up. That year was a real strain on our household and marriage. As parents we felt we are doing everything we are being told to do by the doctors, we have him enrolled in sports to use up that energy but it was still impossible to really have that special relationship with our child. It seemed at school we did our best to control his behavior but once in school that all went out the school door once I left him there.

I researched my butt off and finally i found something on omega being and boys with ADHD. According to the studies boys with ADHD lack omega which helps aid their brains in focusing, coordination and their vision. I said what the heck and bought a bottle of it for $20 at Vitammine Shoppe. I also eliminated red dyes, sugars, anything with gluten in it, and milk substituting it with soy milk.  These pills aren't miracle pills I expected to see results in a week. It actually took a little over a month but let me tell you the results are amazing.

My son went two straight months without any incidents in class such as spacing off, getting up from chair to do sit ups while everyone else was reading quietly in their desks, I mean it sound funny but to us we were mortified. He was getting really bad at school almost becoming defiant acting in ways he wouldn't at home. People often look at me and say " wow your really on him" or " let him scream and run boys will be boys" and other ignorant comments such as that but in all honesty they weren't dealing with the frustrations from the schools or the fact because his behavior was so off his social skills have suffered from it.

anyhow read up on it. It's not FDA approved but when I spoke to my pediatrician he said he agrees with the studies and prefers we stick to the fish oil rather than medicate. He did leave it up to us and wrote a prescription for adderal xr when we want it but its been  7 months using fish oil and although he still has incidents they do not compare to or come close to the nightmare we had in kinder.

Best of luck.

Answer 11

My son is ADHD the combined form and severe. He also has learning disabilities and see an occupational therapist to work on fine motor skills. He was diagnosed when he was in kindergarden. I always knew he was hyper and needed attention. I waited until a teacher mentioned it to me to have him tested. He was tested by a pediatric dr. and a pshcologist. I put him on Concerta and did behaviol motification. This was suggested to me by the pschologist.  He took concerta for about 4 yrs and it was like it just stopped working. He's medication was increased so much that he was like a zombie. I let it go on for about a week because I know it takes time for med to work. I finally got him off Concerta and the Dr put him on Stratera, which I knew wouldn't work because he is severe. That lasted about 3 mnths. Then dr. put on antidepressents, which didn't work either. Finallly he was put on Adderall XR. He started out on the lowest dosage and now he is on the max. He takes 2 30mg pills in the morning and suppose to take 1 30mg after school to help him get through his homework. Most days he doesn't take the afternoon one at all. Just recently he was put on antidepresamt to help him sleep better and with the quality of sleep. It's like over time he gets immune to the dosage and it has to be changed. I have alway done the behavior modification and keep a strict schedule of times and days that he does things. Like every night bath time is at 7. desseret at 7:30 and start getting ready for bed at 8, and in bed at 8:30. If I try to do something just alittle different you can really tell. It helps alot to have a schedule. He has always had straigt A's in school until this yr., which is his 6th grade yr and hormones are really raging. Dr. may have to do some ajusting for that. He is also in special ed for his learning disability and goes to OP once a week to work on fine motor skills, to help with hand writting. It was very upstetting to me to find out that my son had this, but after alot, I mean tons of research and talking with all kinds of people I decided that this was the best option for him to have a great and enjoyable future. Also when his meds were changed he would go 2 weeks without eating harldly anything. He is 5'4' and wieghs 85lbs. He really does eat like a horse. He just runs it off, i guess. Dr. told me to give him Ensure and make him like chocalate shakes with protein in them before bed.

Answer 12

Hi JessicaN, as you can see from the responses to your query, the thing about ADD or ADHD is that meds and/or behavioural therapy works for some but not for others. This is because we are all different in so many aspects, including the severity of the problem. And until the real cause/causes of ADD or ADHD is found, trial-and-error is still very much the norm.

Answer 13

Medication can work - but there still needs to be behaviour modification. Consistancy is the key - be consistant in whatever you do.

As for medications, be very careful to know what your child's baseline is - know what they are like, how they act, what they will tolerate and how much they eat - before they begin taking medication. That way, it will be easier to tell if there are changes - for the good or bad - in any of them.

My daughter (11 yrs old) takes Concerta and it works well for her. The biggest side-effect is that it curbs her appetite - so I have to work really hard to make sure she gets enough of the right foods.  Last summer, we tried Adderall - hoping it would make a difference in her appetite - it did, but it also made her extremely depressed - almost dangerously depressed. It was wonderful for about a month, then downhill. But then, I've heard of people having excellent results on it, too.

The key is to know your child - be aware of what changes occur when he takes them. All medications have the risk of some side effects, and effect each child differently. Just keep your eyes open!

Good luck